Style is a big part of every child’s life. The majority of the Dobie Junior High population believes that clothing defines who they are or what they believe. But many students find that there is only one thing preventing them from truly being themselves: The dress code.

Some students dare to question the attire limitation’s existence. Addie Bender, an eighth grader, when questioned about her stance on the dress code, let out a sigh and said, “Some of it makes sense, but some of it is just like, ‘Why is that even part of the dress code?’”

She wasn’t the only kid in her grade with that opinion. As it turns out, many girls find the dress code to be quite bothersome. Whether it pertains to skirt length, distressed jeans, or strap width, students just aren’t content with the regulations on clothing.

Other students attending Dobie think the dress code limits their right to freedom of expression. They believe that the code is preventing them from properly stating their individuality by banning some of the things they love most. For example, one of the policies is that any article of clothing deemed inappropriate by administrators is immediately taboo. Several interviewees found that unsettling because they believe that it is a matter of favoritism, not what is allowed.

Ethan Reagan, an eighth grader, passionately stated that kids “…should be able to express themselves the way they want to,” and not have to conform to the “…bothersome rules.”

Teachers, on the other hand, believe that the students’ dress codes are fitting for the age group that they pertain to. Ms.Uecker, an art teacher, claimed that these codes will be beneficial to students when they begin to work. Uecker declared that “In the real world, you have dress codes for any job.” Apparently, where Ms.Uecker sees not being disruptive or distracting, the students see preventing them from reaching their full fashion potential. Is Ms.Uecker right? Or are the students really being punished for their originality?

No matter if the uproar is about the ban on leggings, the “no-straps-showing” policy, or even the boycott on bandanas, students are heavily opinionated when it comes to the district’s rules for dress. Now whether or not the rules will be adjusted is a mystery, but many kids seem to be content with the fact that someone is speaking out against them.